Baseball has been lauded and romanticized - adored through poems, songs, and films. But while the "all-American pastime" has been part of our national identity, from children playing in local sandlots to professional athletes playing in the country's biggest stadiums, it's more than simply a game. In fact, the United States and baseball grew up together - a democratic sport for a democratic nation.

Baseball is inextricably embedded in American history and consciousness like no other sport. The game was "born" during the Industrial Revolution and spread due to bombs and the Bible. From segregation to integration, robber barons to unionization, counterculture to uniformity, money underlies much of the history of baseball. Former professional sports broadcaster Brandon Chapman presents insights into America by turning a critical eye to baseball's history, exploring the game's roots, its traditions, and how baseball has evolved into what we see today.

C. Brandon Chapman is a native of Centralia, WA, and a graduate of Centralia College, Washington State University, and Syracuse University. He spent multiple seasons broadcasting professional baseball and last year taught WSU's first-ever sports play-by-play course. Brandon is currently the marketing and communications director at Washington State University and teaches each semester for the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp